Disaster Preparedness: Papua New Guinea has completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, mapping strengths and gaps in how the country prevents, detects and responds to public health emergencies under IHR 2005. Provincial Response Gaps: A nationwide assessment finds big differences between Provincial Disaster Centres, with staffing, funding, infrastructure, transport, communications and emergency planning uneven across provinces. Legal Reminder: Health and National Emergency Services Minister Dr Billy Joseph says provinces already have legal duties under the National Disaster Act 1984, with Provincial Disaster Committees meant to coordinate response close to communities. Local Capacity Push: UN Resident Coordinator Shalini Bahuguna calls for more investment in people and systems, not just vehicles and buildings, to strengthen disaster management institutions. El Niño Health Risks: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert due to El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall, raising concerns for water, food gardens, nutrition and health—especially for remote outer-island communities. Hospital Upgrades: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae received 36 new ventilators worth about K1.8 million to support critically ill patients across emergency, ICU, nursery and wards. Respiratory Support: Morobe health authorities say the ventilators can also be shared with district hospitals if staff are trained and maintenance is in place. Child Nutrition Funding: The US has committed over K15 million for a project to support child nutrition in PNG as El Niño preparations continue. Disease Watch: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) and strengthen One Health coordination across human, animal and environmental health. Water and Hygiene Strain: A PNG woman’s down syndrome care is being worsened by worsening water shortages, while broader reporting highlights how lack of clean water can drive illness after floods.